Visiting north Cyprus: the basics
A demarcation line, often called the Green Line, divides the island into two administered areas. The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member, but it does not exercise effective control in the north. This guide describes practical travel rules and place names without taking a side. Place names are given in Greek first, with the Turkish name in brackets at the first mention.
Many visitors cross for a day trip. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so the rules below are examples from German and UK government advice, dated where possible. Check your own government's travel advice before you go.
Crossing points
The customs service of the Republic of Cyprus lists these crossing points. A list does not tell you the opening hours or whether a crossing is working today, so check before you travel.
| Crossing point | Note |
|---|---|
| Ledra Street | Pedestrians only, in central Nicosia (Lefkoşa) |
| Ledra Palace | Pedestrians only, in Nicosia |
| Agios Dometios | North car insurance can be bought at some crossings, including this one |
The list also names Pergamos, Strovilia, Astromeritis-Zodhia, Kato Pyrgos-Karavostasi, Lefka-Apliki and Deryneia. Pyrgos-Kokkina and Kokkina-Pachyammos are listed as not yet opened.
Use only the designated crossing points. Do not walk through closed-off areas between the two sides, and do not photograph military installations. Our Nicosia guide covers the old town and the Ledra Street crossing in the city.
Our picks: visiting the north
Famagusta (Gazimağusa) from Ayia Napa or Protaras, or Kyrenia (Girne) from Paphos.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kyrenia (Girne), St. Hilarion and Bellapais day trip
An air-conditioned vehicle with driver, a local guide, hotel transfer and time for a lunch break. Kyrenia Castle and Bellapais Abbey cost €2 each extra.
Check availability →
Famagusta (Gazimağusa) ghost town tour
Hotel transfer with a driver and guide, plus free time. Entry to archaeological sites is extra. Bring a passport or European ID card.
Check availability →North Cyprus tours
Guided day trips across the line to Kyrenia, Bellapais, Famagusta and other sights in the north, with live prices and availability.
Documents, entry points and rental cars
Details depend on your nationality and on how you arrive.
Documents
The German Federal Foreign Office states that citizens of Germany can cross with a valid passport or ID card, and identity checks happen in both directions. Carry your documents at all times near the line. This is the rule for German citizens and not for every nationality.
Arriving in the north
The Republic of Cyprus treats entry via the airport at Ercan or the northern ports as illegal entry. The German Foreign Office adds that EU citizens can cross the line in both directions regardless of the point of entry, based on current administrative practice. UK government advice warns British travelers about possible fines or refusal after arriving in the north. Read the advice for your own passport. Cyprus is in the EU but outside the Schengen area.
Rental cars
UK government advice says cars rented in the south often have no cover in the north, and that you need the right insurance papers to drive across. At some crossings, including Agios Dometios, you can buy north insurance. That does not by itself give you comprehensive cover or your rental company's permission. Ask your rental company before you plan to drive across. Cars drive on the left in Cyprus.
On foot
Ledra Street and Ledra Palace are for pedestrians. Do not plan a car route through the Ledra Street pedestrian zone.
Famagusta (Gazimağusa) and Varosha
Famagusta has a fenced-off quarter, Varosha, draws many visitors. A travel guide that checked in October 2026 reports that only part of Varosha is open to visitors, along marked roads and beach sections. Buildings and the rest of the fenced zone are excluded, and private cars are not allowed.
The same guide reports free entry and these hours: April to August 08:00–19:30, September and October 08:00–18:00, and November to March 08:00–17:00. Treat these as orientation and confirm locally before you go.
Another ancient site on the northern side is Salamis, where columns of a Roman gymnasium remain.
Kyrenia (Girne) and Bellapais
Kyrenia is the harbour town on the north coast. The old harbour and the castle with its shipwreck museum are separate things to visit, and the museum is inside the castle. Check ticket prices and ticket office times at the gate.
Bellapais is a Gothic abbey in a mountain village south of Kyrenia. The north's tourism authority describes year-round visits and summer concerts. That is not a promise of daily opening, and a concert ticket is not part of an abbey entry, so check the opening times and any event details first.
Planning a day trip
A short checklist for crossing the line.
Before you leave
Read your government's travel advice, pack your passport or ID card and ask your rental company about driving across.
At the crossing
Use a designated crossing point and expect an identity check. Insurance for a car can be bought at some crossings.
On the other side
Check ticket prices and opening hours at Bellapais, Kyrenia Castle and Salamis when you arrive.
North Cyprus: frequently asked questions
Can I cross to north Cyprus from the south?
Yes, at designated crossing points. Expect an identity check and carry your passport or ID card. Rules depend on your nationality.
Which documents do German citizens need?
The German Federal Foreign Office says a valid passport or ID card is enough, with identity checks in both directions. This does not apply automatically to holders of a residence permit only.
Can I cross on foot?
Yes. Ledra Street and Ledra Palace in Nicosia are pedestrian crossings.
Can I take my rental car across?
Cars rented in the south often have no insurance cover in the north. North insurance can be bought at some crossings, including Agios Dometios, but ask your rental company first.
Is Varosha open to visitors?
A travel guide reports that part of Varosha can be visited along marked roads and beach sections, without private cars. Confirm locally before you go.
What can I see in Kyrenia and Bellapais?
In Kyrenia, the old harbour and the castle with its shipwreck museum. In Bellapais, a Gothic abbey in a mountain village south of Kyrenia.